Yes, the 4 bolt ball joint upper arms were correct for 69 and older Mustangs and Fairlanes, in 70 Ford switched to the 3 bolt, likely because of the common cracking of the 4 bolt setup. You can`t just put the 3 bolt ball joints on a 4 bolt upper arm, as the spacing of the bolt pattern is quite different. As I told GaryB, I like the Granada upper arms because in addition to the stronger 3 bolt ball joints, they used large rubber bushings for the upper pivot shafts, instead of the large threaded shafts and "nuts". If you have ever taken a factory Mustang/Fairlane shaft apart, you would see that ends of the shafts are threaded (male), and the large "nuts" at the ends have female threads. So basically, as the front suspension moves up and down, these threaded components are essentially tightening and loosening themselves on the threads. Now, since the actual travel is only 6 inches or so, the actual threaded area this is being "worked" is rather small. However, over time, and lack of greasing, the threads wear, and you can get some play in these threads, not to mention that embarrassing squeaking noise when going over a speed bump. In the past, I have installed new stock type control arm units, but when everything is new (and the threads fit tightly together) it can be almost immpossible to pump any grease into the "nuts", as there simply is not enough clearance for the grease to get thru. Once the threads get some wear, the grease can usually be forced in, but some wear has already occured. Also, since the upper shafts and threaded nuts are both steel, you essentialy have a metal on metal construction, so the ride is harsher than the rubber bushings. I don`t know if MOOG still makes them, but years ago, I installed a similar setup on my 70 R code Mach 1. They were listed under MOOGS "problem solver" line, and consisted of special upper shafts with rubber bushings that replaced the stock stuff on the stock upper control arms. They worked great, and never squeaked, plus the car rode slightly smoother.
428 powered Fairmont drag car, Best ET:10.03@132.11MPH, best 60 ft: 1.29
59 Meteor 2 dr. sedan 332, Ford O Matic
74 F350 ramp truck 390 4speed
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